Japanese virus could cost Moriarty Six Nations
Ross Moriarty, the Wales and Dragons No8, is battling to be fit for the Six Nations after contracting a virus at the Rugby World Cup in Japan.
Moriarty has lost weight and been unable to help his new club in the Guinness Pro 14 and European Challenge Cup where they still lead their pool despite a controversial 34-28 loss to Worcester Warriors which saw highly rated back rower Taine Basham sent off for a tip tackle.
With Basham facing a potentially lengthy ban, the loss of Moriarty will be keenly felt and Dean Ryan, the Dragons director of rugby, told RugbyPass the club will not take any chances with the British and Irish Lions No.8 who has suffered with a heavy cold, weight loss and chest infection leading to specialist examination of his symptoms.
They have concluded that Moriarty contracted a viral infection as a result of bad grazing he suffered on his forehead during a Wales training session in Japan.
He played in the third place play-off defeat by New Zealand on November 1 – his 41st cap for Wales but no date can be given for his return to play. He will continue to be monitored with the Dragons needing ensure there is no danger of a recurrence of the debilitating problems that threaten Moriarty’s inclusion in the Wales Six Nations squad. It will be the first Six Nations squad named by Wayne Pivac who has taken over as Wales head coach from Warren Gatland and with Taulupe Faletau still out injured for Bath, the Welsh No8 options are limited.
Ryan said: “Ross has had a viral infection and we are not going to rush him back or give a date when he is going to play because we want to make sure that Ross has got over this infection. He has lost weight during this period and it is important to ensure that he is fully recovered before we think about him getting back.”
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Ryan was fuming after Basham was sent off by Italian referee Marius Mitrea who did not have the back-up of a television match official to review the tip tackle incident in the 19th minute. Ryan questioned the attitude of European Cup organisers to the competition by not using TMO technology. He said: “I do not think it was a red card and it was a rugby incident which was a penalty or at worst a yellow card. The referee kept on saying all day he didn’t have TMO and so why is he jumping to a red card? It was nowhere near a full tip and it didn’t merit a red card.
“I got contacted in the week by Joel Jugte about a player in our group who hasn’t even played in Europe. For the head of European referees to contact me about aspects( of our play) he finds concerning, I find incredible. Not one of those issues was penalised today. EPCR need to look at what they are trying to achieve with the Challenge Cup and I would say they have bigger issues to focus on than rather than looking at our players. It was a really good contest and the boys put in an incredible shift and I am so proud of our group of players. We were outstanding with a seven man scrum.”
Faletau, 29, broke his collar bone which ruled him out of the World Cup as he required surgery. “He’s getting there, we’ll build him back into the rugby programme sooner rather than later,” said Bath director of rugby Stuart Hooper.”But there’s still no time frame determined for him.” Faletau, who has won 72 caps, has also broken his arm twice since joining Bath from the Dragons in 2016.
Comments on RugbyPass
Rodda will be a walk up starter at lock. Frost if you analyse his dominance has little impact and he’s a long way from being physical enough, especially when you compare to Rodda and the work he does. He was quite poor at the World Cup in his lack of physicality. Between Rodda and Skelton we would have locks who can dominate the breakdown and in contact. Frost is maybe next but Schmidt might go for a more physical lock who does their core work better like Ryan or LSL. Swain is no chance unless there’s a load of injuries.
8 Go to commentsWhy do people keep on picking Ardie at 7 when he's a ball in hand 8? A modern 7 is the lead tackler and ruck clearer which isn't his strength.
14 Go to commentsSly dig there at Ireland’s propensity to back a non-Irish coach. Must really want it. I’m not sure I like ROG very much. Comes off as unpleasant. But he’d gain my respect if he took a number 7 ranked team and turned them into WC winners. Not even back-to-back. Argentina? Scotland? Or how about Wales? France would be too easy, no?
1 Go to commentsA bit of sensationalism, but surprised by the comments about SBW. I’ve always thought of him as a pretty authentic person. There is nothing worse than working with a colleague you’ve seen straight through.
9 Go to comments100% agree with your comment about Touch. I’ve been playing it competitively since Covid. It’s on a Wednesday night after work. It means the weekend is free for time with my family.
1 Go to commentsRodda back is massively important for the Wallabies. Kaitu at hooker important too coz he was very good a few years ago.
1 Go to commentsThe pink cabous might be eligible this year and the Boks don’t need him
8 Go to commentsNasser and kaitu are options for hooker. Especially Nasser. You forgot Rodda who touch wood will be fit at test time and if fit he’s number one. Great partner for the great Skelton and Oz best lineout caller. Third best lock is LSL whom I’d be inclined to sub on for Skelton around 60 minutes. Probably start valetini at 8 because I like a big body back there. Cale should play 6 at the brumbies. For Wallabies definitely cale in the squad but as an apprentice. Dunno who starts at 6 seru wright Swinton hanigan with Will Harris and Harry Wilson not far away. Seru and Swinton my front runners but Swinton is going. Still if we don’t cap seru then Fiji must coz they need his lineout skills and easily compensate for his lack of weight
8 Go to commentsYeah but who was it?
9 Go to commentsThink you might have written this just before the Brumbies got thrashed last weekend
8 Go to commentsI really do believe that Billy Proctor should be selected at least in the larger squad but also it would be my choice at 13, much more a center than Ioane who can still play at wing. Roigard if fit should play, otherwise it should be Perenara or Christie. Also, Iose could deserve a spot at blindside. Of course, being a Canes supporter I’m biased but I really believe that at least Billy P is deserving a chance and being Holland one of the Selectors, I’m having a little hope he could grab it.
14 Go to commentsI would not play Swinton I’d pick Wright or Hanigan. The rest are decent starters, but can’t agree on any subs except Tupou. My take on the subs: Gibbon, Ueslese, Tupou, LSL, Wilson, White, Will Harrison, and Petaia.
8 Go to commentsSBW the biggest moron to pull on a black jersey a park footy player at best
9 Go to commentsSBW is fast becoming a laughing stock, his misplaced comments & lack of insight Is actually pretty sad.
9 Go to commentsJust well you guys are couch 🛋 potatoes selector's, picking a team of greenhorns to play England! “What are you people smoking?” The halfbacks will be Christie, Fakatava, Perenara Props; Newell, Bower, Lomax, Tunga'fasi, Hookers; Asosa Amua when fit, Taylor, Samisoni,
14 Go to commentsQuite frankly, all this is a bit pathetic. The first time Wales get the Wooden Spoon in 21 years and everyone is on the bandwagon for a ‘play-off’ game. Wales have no obligation to Georgia and no obligation to the rest of the Six Nations to play such a game. If they want Georgia in so badly then they need to include South Africa into a Northern Hemisphere competition with 2 leagues of 4 teams with the top 2 competing for the Championship. Sadly, this will end Triple Crowns and Grand Slams forever. Is this really what you want?
4 Go to commentsI think Finau to start Blackadder to come on. Poss Prokter instead of Ioane, haven't seen much from Reiko so far this year.
14 Go to commentsJoe will have had a good chat with Dave Rennie, a smart move to begin with while it’s doubtful Fast Eddie will be consulted? Plenty of Aus players hitting top form so they should go OK.
8 Go to commentsMmm. Not sure I like this article or see it as necessary.
9 Go to commentsBlackadder but no Finau! 😀 It’s Razor so you are probably right, plus Taylor at 2…
14 Go to comments